Step Up Savannah receives national recognition

Step Up and the City of Savannah are being recognized today at the National League of Cities’ 2012 City Showcase for demonstrating innovative and collaborative approaches to foster stronger communities. The partnership is one of 27 municipal programs selected for the 2012 Showcase, NLC’s premiere program celebrating city achievements.

Step Up Savannah has been working in partnership with the City, social service agencies, businesses, and neighborhood leaders since 2006 to reduce poverty in Savannah through workforce development, wealth building and public policy initiatives.

The program will be highlighted during this year’s Congress of Cities and Exposition, held in Boston, MA, November 28-December 1. During the conference, representatives from Savannah will engage in networking and knowledge-sharing with colleagues from around the country.

“The City Showcase is truly a celebration of innovation and collaboration in our nation’s cities and towns,” said Ted Ellis, NLC President and mayor of Bluffton, IN. “These programs represent municipal government at its best, demonstrating the success that can occur when creative minds partner to solve a problem or fill a need within a community. NLC is proud to recognize the 21 cities and towns selected for this year’s showcase.”

Daniel Dodd-Ramirez, Step Up executive director, called the national recognition a real honor for Savannah. “We look forward to presenting our work with the City to address poverty as well as learning from other cities at this important national event.”

“Real change takes time, and does not occur without the involvement of the entire community,” said Mayor Edna Jackson. “Step Up recognizes that the only way for Savannah to combat chronic poverty is to get everybody on board. That’s why it will succeed.”